2. amps-preamps
  3. 1416971498

Stereo power amp for $10k

Please help choosing a good stereo power amp to put between Marantz AV7702 and Morel Sopran speakers (4 ohm, sensitivity 91.5dB, nominal power 250W).
Main criteria: good audio quality, warm & deep sound, listening mostly to instrumental music and vocal in low-mid volume.
So far shortlisted to three options, all around $10k:
1) Pass Labs - either X150.8 or X250.8
2) Krell Duo 175 or 300
3) Burmester 956 mkII

Which one of the three would you recommend? Anything better with similar spec and in the same price range?
Thanks.
raraavis-duplicate-0

Showing 3 responses by darkmoebius

darkmoebius
900 posts
 
Isn't that a bit of a weird mismatch in performance between the $2k Marantz AV preamp and a $10k amp and your $12k Morel speakers?
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
I was trying to be diplomatic, but am glad others are being more direct.

It is an absolute waste of money and stellar equipment to put a near reference level $10k amp and your speakers behind a mass consumer grade AV preamp/processor. None of the subtle nuances, resolution, imaging, etc, etc will make it past the preamp, no matter how good the rest of the system is. Your preamp is an insurmountable bottleneck.

As pointed out above, you would be far better off buying a dedicated $4k 2-channel preamp and a $6k amp. Then, just switching the amp inputs when you want to listen to HiFi. It would only take a few seconds

You seriously have great speakers that deserve far better than a consumer grade AV preamp
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
Raraavis, I'm really interested to see where your search leads you now. Classe makes some fantastic gear

Please let us know you impression
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